Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 93

Hazel followed the stream of moonlight illuminating his face, catching a glimpse of a faint scar. Only then did it register that this wasn't Marcus.

It was Zachary.

Zachary crouched by the bed and looked at Hazel. His voice was low and devoid of any overt emotion, yet it carried an undeniable sense of safety.

"Can you walk?"

Hazel nodded, her fingers gripping the edge of her torn shirt. The faint, comforting scent clinging to his clothes wafted toward her, steadily anchoring her frayed nerves.

...

Meanwhile, Julian brought Evelyn back to the house. The living room lights were on, casting a warm, golden glow over them.

Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped her arms around Julian from behind. She pressed her face against his back, her voice as soft as a gentle spring breeze.

"Julian, I honestly thought I was never going to see you again."

Julian felt her warmth through the thin fabric of his shirt. The lingering sensation of their passion seemed to flash across his skin.

A sudden physical reaction tightened within him, and he jolted up as if burned, hastily putting distance between them.

Evelyn's arms fell empty. She looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed. "Are you disgusted by me? Sean didn't touch me. I didn't let him. Julian, I swear..."

Julian turned to see her pitiful expression, a flicker of conflict crossing his features.

He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Hazel's pleading gaze from earlier immediately surfaced in his mind—the way she had gripped his sleeve, her voice trembling. His heart gave a painful lurch.

"No, how could I ever be disgusted by you, Evelyn?"

Evelyn lowered her head, perfectly concealing the flash of malice in her eyes. Her tone remained sweet and considerate. "Are you worried about Hazel, then? Let's go look for her, Julian."

By the time the police raided the basement, the room was empty. The bedsheets were in a crumpled heap, and a few torn buttons were scattered across the floor.

Both Sean and Hazel were gone.

Julian stood in the doorway, his mind blank. A sudden rush of panic gripped him, while behind him, Evelyn's face turned deathly pale.

How did they disappear so fast? Had Sean run off again? Did that mean he knew she was playing him?

Evelyn lowered her eyes, her mind racing. Her anxiety spiked as the situation seemingly spiraled completely out of her control.

Julian stepped up behind her. "Evelyn, what's wrong?"

Evelyn jumped slightly. When she turned and saw his face, she forced a stiff smile.

"N-Nothing. Let's go home. We can wait for the police's update there."